The Hellenic Shortsea Shipowners Association (HSSA) successfully held its 8th Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony in an emotionally charged evening marked by a strong sense of collaboration, collegiality, and humanity, as well as optimism for the future of Greece—one that lies in its younger generation.
A particularly moving and defining moment of the event was when the President of HSSA, Mr. Charalampos Simantonis, honored Mr. Michalis Klapsis as a role model for his selfless contribution. Mr. Klapsis, a resident of Lipsi and a student at a Merchant Marine Academy, survived the tragic Tempi train accident and played a crucial role in helping fellow passengers escape from carriage 3 of the ill-fated train.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Simantonis noted: “All of us ‘people of the sea’ know very well that Greece’s leading position in the global maritime industry is built first and foremost on its people. It is these people that we must support.
This is precisely the aim of the HSSA Scholarship Program: to stand by young individuals striving to build a future in maritime professions, by supporting their education at leading Greek maritime universities, and encouraging more young people to pursue careers in shipping.
Over the past eight years, nearly 60 scholarships have been awarded to young men and women wishing to continue their studies in the maritime sector, with the total financial support exceeding €200,000.
This would not have been possible without the meaningful support of our sponsors—organizations and companies within the maritime sector—who embraced our vision and actively contributed to its implementation.”
The Deputy Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Mr. Kostas Katsafados, representing the Prime Minister and the Government, emphasized: “I am not here to speak to you about the importance of shipping to our country, its economy, and its global footprint. These are well known and self-evident. However, this does not mean we should become complacent. The challenge is not reaching the top, but remaining there with consistency and credibility.
Dear students, I would like to welcome you to your new academic journey. Shipping is a demanding and challenging profession, but one that offers great rewards and fulfillment. You are the ones who will shape the future of Greek shipping, and I want you to know that I will stand by you on this journey.”
Minister of Education and Religious Affairs, Ms. Niki Kerameus, highlighted that HSSA scholarships:
“reward excellence, motivate students to pursue postgraduate studies, promote the maritime sector—which holds a prominent place in Greece—and represent the continuation of a well-established institution now in its 8th year. They are an investment in knowledge and education, offering meaningful prospects for both the present and the future of young people in our country.”
Scholarships Awarded
Spyros Alexandratos Scholarship
Maria Stamou
Bureau Veritas (BV) Scholarship
Evangelia Karatsoli
RINA Scholarships (3)
Dimitris Papasotiriou
Anastasia Apostolaki
Chara Tsalatsani
BCA Scholarship
Mandisa Tsota
Metropolitan Scholarship
Kallistheni Kountouri
ABS Scholarships
Michail Dimitriadis-Evgenidis
Maria Mitsaki
HSSA Scholarship in memory of Evangelia Stefanidaki
The true success of the HSSA Scholarship Program lies in its ability to unite the entire maritime community under a common purpose—bringing together companies, institutions, and stakeholders of the shipping industry to support young people, enhance maritime education, and strengthen the profession.
As a result, six new scholarships were announced during the event:
Leonidas Dimitriadis-Evgenidis
Georgios Souravlas – Load Line Marine S.A.
BCA College (one additional postgraduate scholarship)
INSB Classification Society
Lloyd’s Register
Scholarship by HSSA Legal Counsel Nikolaos Gerasimos in memory of his mother